Appearance

Butterflyweed has clusters of tiny, five-petaled orange, reddish-orange or yellowish-orange flowers, which bloom in May to July. It grows 1 to 3 feet tall.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Seed pods develop in late summer. Seeds have fluffy white hairs, which help them scatter in the wind. New seedlings grow in spring.

Did You Know?

  • Butterflyweed is also known as butterfly flower and butterfly milkweed. It provides habitat for butterfly eggs and larvae.
  • Its bright coloring and copious nectar production attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
  • Native Americans used butterflyweed for fiber to make rope and cloth, as well as for medicinal purposes.

Sources and Additional Information